The blessing was beautiful. I wish I could write really fast, or that I had learned shorthand to write down the blessing word for word. I have some friends and relatives that are good at that, but they were either holding my other baby or too far away to attend. I thought about trying out the cell phone, but I didn't want the building to burn down due to a lightening strike. So, I listened attentively - despite little tappings on my legs to distract me - and I'll write down my impressions.
Blake, Heavenly Father wants you to know that your family loves you. I don't know if you can tell when Tyler says he wants to bite your cheek because you are so cute, or when I won't stop kissing your pudgy neck, but we do love you. Your family will be a strength to you as you grow and learn the will of the Father in your life. We will be there for you when you make covenants and prepare to serve a mission. And we will be with you for support when you find a special girl to take to the temple to start a family of your own. Families are the most important part of Heavenly Father's plan and we want to be a strong one. You will help us as you grow. You are an important part of our family.
Great Grandma Elder is full of talents to share! She made the blanket keeping you warm in this picture. We had to wait until Grandma Connie came to put you in your blessing outfit. Our little tradition is for Grandma Connie to buy a new outfit for each baby. Hopefully you can use it for memories of how much we love you!
Another tradition is to "skip" the rest of the meetings and come home early and eat! Get togethers are great with food. I made sloppy joes with chicken gumbo soup. (So cheap and SOOO yummy!) Aunt Jenna brought yummy juice and the buns! Grandma and Grandpa brought the paper products (so I don't have to do dishes - YA!) and the most delicious fruit salad. They are famous for their fruit salad. The flavors blended in an amazing tongue tickler - even better left over the next day. Great Grandma brought veggies and BEETS from her garden. Daddy and Mommy and Nate were in heaven for a week after finishing off the 2nd bottle she left with us. We are SO planting beets in our garden.
Daddy and Nate. We COULD NOT be late for church! We need to get to church early to save a bench big enough for our family. I think the front bench is empty every week, but Daddy doesn't want to be that noticeable! It used to be Mommy stressed about leaving on time. I'm really trying to chill out! It's okay if we get there for the Sacrament prayer and sit in folding chairs!!
Grandma and Grandpa Squires. I'm sure we'll have more pictures to post soon. Grandpa is GREAT at taking lots of pictures at events like this. I get a little to overwhelmed taking care of people and I forget to take pictures!
